ML19343A364
| ML19343A364 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 08/11/1980 |
| From: | Snyder B Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Tutleman J AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19343A365 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8009170272 | |
| Download: ML19343A364 (2) | |
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jo UNITED STATES y 1,(; gp, NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
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Mr. J.S. Tutleman 6114 Whitsett Avenue, Apt. 203 North Hollywood, California C1606
Dear Mr. Tutleman:
Your letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission about the method of removing the krypton-85 from the reactor building of Three Mile Island Unit 2 was re-ferred to me for response.
Metropolitan Edison Company submitted to NRC a " Safety Analysis and Environ-mental Report" (November 13,1979) in which it evaluated alternative methods for the disposal of the krypton gases, such as purging and cryogenic processing, and selective absorption. NRC also evaluated alternative methods for disposal of the krypton gas to detennine what effect decontamination would have on workers, on the public health and safety, and on the environment. Based on its evaluation, NRC issued an environmental assessment (NUREG-0662 and two addenda) for public comment on March 26. 1980, and received approximately 800 coments.
These coments were considered in the staff's preparation of the " Final En-vironmental Assessment for Decontamination of the Three Mile Island Unit 2 Reactor Building Atmosphere" (NUREG-0662), vols. I and 2, copies of which are enclosed for your infonnation.
From this process have emerged the following NRC staff conclusions:
- The potential physical health impact on the public of using any of the proposed strategies for removing the krypton-85 is negligible.
- The potential psychological impact is likely to grow the longer it takes to reach a decision, get started, and complete the process.
- The purging method is the quickest and the safest for the workers on Three Mile Island to accomplish.
- 0,erall, no significant environmental impact would result from use of any of the alternatives discussed in the assessment.
On June 12, 1980, the Comission issued an Order for Temporary Modification of License, authorizing controlled purging of the krypton-85 from the reactor builcing atmosphere.
In a separate Memorandum and Order, also issued on June 12, 1980, the Comission discussed rationale for its decision. Actual venting r
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r-Mr. J.S. Tutleman operations began on Juna 28, 1980, and were completed on July 11, 1980. The health doses resulting from the purge were well within those predicted in sec-tion 7.1 of volume 1 of NRC's final environmental assessment. Copies of both Commission issuancer are also enclosed.
I an pleased to provide you with this information.
Sincerely, Bernard J. Snyder, Program Director Three Mile Island Program Office Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosures:
1.
NUREG-0662, vol s.1 & 2 2.
Order for Tenporary Modification of License of June 12, 1980 3.
Memorandum and Order of June 12, 1980
.